10 Best Snacks to Buy and Try at MEGA Don Quijote

Published on 2024-06-23

Japan is known for many things, with its incredible snack culture being one. At Mega Don Quijote in Shibuya, you can buy a range of great gifts, including, you guessed it, sweets, snacks, and other foods. If you don’t have a lot of room left in your suitcase and want to know which snacks you should prioritize picking up, look no further!

Kit Kat

Kit Kat is one of the most popular chocolate brands in the world. In Japan, the small chocolate-covered wafer bar holds cultural significance. The way ‘Kit Kat’ is pronounced in Japanese sounds similar to the Japanese word for “to surely win.” That’s why Kit Kats have become a good-luck charm for those taking exams.

In Japan, there are over 300 different flavors of Kit Kats, some of which are special regional flavors. At MEGA Don Quijote, you can find a solid range of Japan-exclusive flavors. If you are unsure which ones to try, the most beloved flavors include Matcha, Strawberry, Strawberry Cheesecake, and orange. If you have the space, why not pick up a few different flavors to mix and match? Depending on whether you pick up a normal packet or one in a gift box, prices can vary between ¥300 and over ¥1,500.

Pocky

Another beloved treat in Japan is Pocky. You will often see this chocolate-covered biscuit stick in anime, manga, and Japanese TV shows, as it has become an icon in popular culture. Each year on November 11, some people also celebrate Pocky Day by sharing a box of Pocky with someone they love.

Similar to Kit Kat, there are hundreds of different flavors of Pocky to choose from. The classic and original flavor is Milk Chocolate; however, if you are looking for something a bit more exciting, there is also Almond Crush, Matcha, Strawberry, and much more. At Don Quijote, you can pick up an individual box for just ¥168 or a box of ten for ¥1,680.

Macadamia & Almond Chocolate

For the last 40 years or so, Macadamia Chocolate and Almond Chocolate have maintained their position as two of the most popular chocolates among Japanese people. These chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and crispy almonds are considered a luxurious treat, given that nuts tend to be on the more expensive side.

Although there aren’t many different flavors, there are the White Veil (white chocolate-covered) Almonds, which are only available in winter, and matcha-flavored Macadamia. Each individual box costs around ¥238 at Don Quijote.

Takenoko No Sato and Kinoko No Yama

These small chocolate-covered biscuits are a fan favourite given that they are in the shape of bamboo shoots (Takenoko No Sato) and mushrooms (Kinoko No Yama). Not only are these two treats famous in Japan for their sweet chocolate taste and crunchy texture, but also for the fact that there is actually a fierce, but fun, debate over which is better.

To make the ultimate decision, you should pick up a box of each. As well as the standard milk chocolate flavors, there is also a Strawberry and Matcha version of each. Each box costs around ¥200.

Hi-Chew

By far the most well-known candy in Japan, Hi-Chew is a soft, fruity candy that comes in over 200 flavors. Notably, the Grape flavor is currently ranked as the top flavor, with Strawberry and Watermelon coming in a close second and third.

Interestingly, Hi-Chew was designed back in the 1930s to be an alternative to chewing gum, with its main difference being that it could be swallowed. Since then, many people have fallen in love with this chewy, sweet, and long-lasting flavor. Many people buy a few packs given that they are small in size, can easily be thrown in your bag, and cost just ¥118.

Mintia

Mintia is Japan’s number-one mint brand, known for its sleek packaging and unique flavors. Besides the regular cool and strong mints, Mintia also has Calpis, Grape, Strawberry, and Lemon mints. Similar to Hi-Chew, mint is great to take on the go and use to keep your breath smelling and feeling fresh. Another reason why this mint brand is so popular is because it is sugar-free. Currently at MEGA Don Quijote, you can find a majority of the fruit flavors as well as the limited edition ONE PIECE-themed packs for just ¥208.

Gummies

For those who like gummies, you might have noticed that Japan has a wide choice of them. What makes Japanese gummies so great is that many of them are filled with real fruit juice and come in a range of flavors that you might not see in the West. They often come in fun shapes too, including hearts, animals, and even a real-looking grape. Some of the most popular gummies include Pure Gummy, Kororo Gummy, and Fettuccine Gummy. Why not pick up a few different types and try them with your friends and family?

Umaibō

Umaibō, or ‘Delicious Stick’, is a Japanese puffed corn snack that has been around since the 1970s. It is among the most loved dagashi, a type of fun and inexpensive sweet. Even today, one only costs a few yen. It comes in many different flavors, including Corn Potage, Cheese, and Takoyaki. There are even some sweet flavors, like chocolate, and special regional flavors. Notably, although many think that the mascot on the packaging is Doraemon, it isn’t. However, because of the resemblance, the mascot has since gained the name ‘Umaemon’ from fans of the corn snack.

As mentioned, individually, Umaibō costs just over ¥10; however, at MEGA Don Qujiote, you can get a massive pack that includes fourteen different flavors. Keep in mind that this selection pack is quite big, so you will need to save some space in your suitcase. Despite that, it makes for a quintessentially Japanese souvenir.

Jagarico and Jagabee

Jagarico, a play on words from the Japanese word for potage (jagaimo), is a type of potato chip that comes in the form of a stick. They have long been a go-to snack given that they are delicious, salty, crunchy, and easy to eat. The most popular flavors include the original flavor (green), the cheese flavor (red), and the butter potato flavor (blue).

Jagabee sticks are also popular, with the main difference between the two being that Jagabee crisps are slightly thicker. The flavors are slightly different, with there being a lightly salted, buttery soy sauce and even a wasabi one.

Priced between ¥138 and ¥178 for a pack of Jagarico and ¥238 for a box of Jagabee, we recommend picking up one of each to get a taste of all the sensational flavors and textures.

Ichiran Ramen

Although not technically a snack, one of the most popular food items that many tourists want to bring back with them is Ichiran Ramen. As one of the, if not the most popular, ramen chains in all of Japan, Ichiran Ramen is known for its tasty tonkatsu broth. With these instant noodles, you can recreate the famous ramen dish easily at home. Each pack costs ¥1,851 and includes five individual packets that contain the noodles, broth, and seasoning. All you need to do is add the meat and anything extra. The perfect gift for someone who has not had the chance of trying Ichiran Ramen firsthand!